Publications
Architectural Heritage of As-Salt, Jordan: Comprehensive Analysis, Tourism Development Potential and Structural Assessment Framework
As-Salt, Jordan's architectural heritage stands out as a unique example of cultural coexistence and architectural synthesis, blending Ottoman spatial traditions with European neoclassical elements. A recent study reveals that the city's yellow limestone construction, developed during its Golden Age (1860–1920), offers significant potential for sustainable tourism while maintaining structural integrity in a seismically active region. The research proposes an innovative framework combining non-destructive diagnostics and compatible intervention strategies, including ultra-fine lime-based grouts and Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM) systems, to enhance ductility and seismic resistance. This approach ensures the safe adaptive reuse of heritage assets, balancing tourism development with cultural preservation. The findings provide valuable insights for professionals managing urban historic districts in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of architectural heritage in sustainable urban development.
Energy Simulation-Based Assessment of Traditional and Modern Wall Materials for Thermal Performance: A Case Study of a Traditional House in Jordan
Combining traditional stone walls with modern insulation layers significantly improves thermal performance and reduces energy demand and CO2 emissions, offering a sustainable solution for heritage buildings like those in Al Salt, Jordan. This study used energy simulation software (DesignBuilder) to compare the thermal behavior of traditional limestone walls, modern reinforced concrete and block-based walls, and insulated systems under local climatic conditions. While traditional stone walls show better thermal mass than uninsulated concrete but still fall short of contemporary efficiency standards, adding insulation layers to them achieves substantial energy savings while preserving architectural identity. The findings highlight the potential for upgrading heritage structures to meet modern performance requirements without compromising cultural value.
Revitalizing Historic Al-Salt Downtown: Implementing Smart City Tools and Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies
A new master plan for Al-Salt Downtown integrates smart city tools with sustainable urban planning to revitalize the historic site while preserving its cultural identity. The study identifies key development areas, including pedestrian paths, green public spaces, and heritage building restoration, through detailed spatial analysis and mental mapping. It proposes digital connectivity enhancements and residential/commercial improvements to foster an integrated experience for residents and visitors, ensuring a balanced approach that conserves Al-Salt's unique urban structure and promotes long-term sustainability.
Balancing Social and Cultural Priorities in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for UNESCO World Heritage Cities
UNESCO World Heritage Cities face significant challenges in balancing social and cultural sustainability during urban regeneration, despite frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), New Urban Agenda (NUA), and Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) initiatives. Research on As-Salt, a recently inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that current SDG targets and indicators inadequately address these issues, often leading to gentrification, excessive tourism, and social exclusion. A content analysis of the three initiatives identified gaps in monitoring cultural sustainability. The study proposes an integrated approach under the SDGs to foster more sustainable heritage-led urban regeneration for World Heritage Cities.
“Rental Activities Impact on Heritage Buildings Preservation from Residents’ Perceptions: As-Salt City as a Case Study”
Rental activities in heritage-rich cities present both opportunities and challenges for preserving historic buildings. A study focusing on As-Salt, Jordanreveals that while rental income can support conservation efforts, it also risks compromising the long-term sustainability of these structures due to neglect or inappropriate modifications. The research identifies key challenges, such as balancing economic incentives with heritage preservation, and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders. By integrating perspectives from experts, residents, and stakeholders, the study provides a framework for sustainable urban development that protects As-Salt’s cultural legacy while fostering responsible rental practices. These insights serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar preservation dilemmas.
The Impact of Urbanization on Cultural Heritage Buildings in Jordan: As-Salt as a Case Study
Urbanization in developing countries, while offering opportunities for change, poses significant risks to cultural heritage buildings. A study focusing on As-Salt, Jordanreveals that urbanization has led to medium-level physical changes in these heritage structures, driven by factors such as increased occupancy and rental revenues. The research suggests that proactive urban policies, considering the socioeconomic benefits of heritage buildings for residents, can mitigate these impacts. Conducted using a cross-sectional survey methodology, this study highlights the need for comparative research across other Middle Eastern cities to deepen understanding and improve heritage management strategies.
Developing a heritage BIM shared library for two case studies in Jordan’s heritage: The House of Art in Amman and the Qaqish House in the World Heritage City of As-Salt
A groundbreaking heritage BIM (Building Information Modeling) shared library has been developed for Jordan's architectural heritage, addressing the gap in adopting advanced digital technologies for conservation. This open-access resource, the first of its kind, consolidates parametric families representing unique and complex elements of Jordanian and Arabic architecture, specifically through case studies of The House of Art in Amman and the Qaqish House in As-Salt. The library aims to set a precedent for documenting and conserving heritage in traditional cities, fostering social cohesion, economic development, tourism, and cultural awareness. Co-production with diverse stakeholders was central to its methodology, ensuring inclusive collaboration that bridges gaps between technology and heritage conservation.
Heritage-Led Urban Regeneration in the Context of WH Listing: Lessons and Opportunities for the Newly Inscribed City of As-Salt in Jordan
UNESCO World Heritage Listing (WHL) often spurs urban regeneration, typically prioritizing tourism and Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), while potentially marginalizing other heritage values and triggering unintended challenges like gentrification and social exclusion. A study on As-Salt, Jordan—recently inscribed in 2021—examines the impacts of WHL nomination processes on urban transformation, from initial attempts in 2014 to final inscription. Through a community survey conducted in November 2020, the research identifies key opportunities and challenges arising from these transformations. By comparing As-Salt’s trajectory with established World Heritage cities in the MENA region, the study proposes prioritized recommendations for sustainable urban regeneration, addressing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to guide future development.
The Urban Profiles of Peace Tourism in Arab Cities: Opportunities for Change Towards Sustainability. Case Study: As-Salt (Jordan) and Constantine (Algeria) Cities
Research identifies significant opportunities for peace tourism in Arab cities, particularly As-Salt (Jordan) and Constantine (Algeria), by leveraging their unique urban characteristics to foster cultural exchange, dialogue, and heritage conservation. The study highlights how these cities can serve as models for integrating tourism development with peace-building efforts, contributing to sustainability. Utilizing qualitative methods—including document reviews, field observations, and interviews conducted between 2015 and 2018—the research emphasizes the role of urban features in establishing a culture of peace. It advocates for a strategic model that aligns tourism planning with stakeholder engagement to achieve lasting positive impacts on both heritage preservation and social cohesion.
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